The Hudson Reporter posted an article on a letter submitted to their letters section from Councilwoman Beth Mason’s former campaign manager Jake Stuiver questioning her actions on public discourse and erroneous statements regarding using funds from a proposed bond ordinance to move the Municipal Garage.
In addition, the letter the former campaign manager in the Mason for Mayor campaign last spring spells out a number of problematic inconsistencies in the councilwoman’s actions in poisoning the environment of any voices counter to hers: Further exacerbating the ugliness of our political environment is Ms. Mason’s penchant for issuing misleading statements about her council colleagues and many important issues. For example, her statements about the municipal garage have been designed to scare people into thinking it might get moved to Eighth and Hudson Streets, when she knows full well that the bond ordinance has nothing to do with moving it anywhere, and in fact the money cannot be used to do so. Publicly attacking Council President Peter Cunningham’s wife — while the Cunninghams were away attending her mother’s funeral, no less — was also unfortunate. =&0=&Pier C is in the news recently and in this case, it wasn’t good news to hear the announced July 1 opening date would not be met in time for the summer. Yesterday, Mayor Dawn Zimmer was joined by other city officials, parents and a flock of children to do a dry run on the site and give a first hand try out to the equipment.
Both Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Director of Environmental Services Director Jennifer Wenson Maier expressed optimism summer use of the new pier would not be lost. There was little doubt on the vote from the kids yesterday. On a picture perfect day, they took to the various equipment like fish to water.
Congratulations are in order to Councilman Ravi Bhalla on being elected as the new Chairman of the Hoboken Democratic Party. At a time where we need leadership in the Democratic Party – nationally and locally – more than ever, Councilman Bhalla is the ideal candidate for the post.
Ravi was an integral part in recruiting new, common sense residents to run for local district committee spots. As someone who was recruited to run by Councilman Bhalla, I witnessed first hand his determination to find and work with local leaders who will actually make a difference in the community. Other township and county Democratic leaders should take notice of Ravi’s willingness to reach out to new, everyday people to get involved in the Democratic process.
In the face off between the Republicans in the Mile Square Monday night, the Republicans of Hoboken confirmed their sweep over the Hoboken Republican group placing Diana Davis in the role of Chairperson in a 18-8 vote over Secretary Peter Morgan (foreground).
Vice Presidents: Chris Carbine, Dolores England and Scott Siegel were also easy winners along with Connie David – Treasurer, Beth Ravalico – Secretary, and Denis Harte – Parliamentarian.
Local attorney Peter Rozano will likely be named Legal Counsel.
City of Hoboken announces:
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Tuesday Update: Russo Clan Street Fight Edition, Part Deux
The historic day didn’t end during daylight hours yesterday – it bled into sweet nothings uttered throughout the evening. The Russo street fight some may have thought finished after all the absentee ballots were counted in the Hoboken Democratic Committee election hardly made last night’s vote anti-climatic.
A plan to subvert the will of the voter was in actuality well under way. It turned into a Tammany Hall type back room war leading to a bitter saga of subterfuge gone wrong. The Russo clan entered with an army including political operatives from both sides of its Mason-Russo alliance. They were trash talking and all smiles early at the meeting but it ended with them collectively walking out during the final voice vote for honorary chair. In short, this was a crushing blow to the Russos.
The Jersey Journal posted a story stating Michael Shaffer is pleading guilty today as noted in a press release from US Attorney Paul Fishman.
As part of an agreement Schaffer pled to one count of crimminal information, charging him with criminal extortion although he acted as a bag man for ex-mayor Peter Cammarano four times including once soon after Cammarano had taken the oath of office and been sworn-in as mayor of Hoboken.
Schaffer will be sentenced on September 15th. Maximum penalty is 15 years and a $250,000 fine.
Both Hoboken party organizations are holding their big reorganization meetings tonight. Clearly we have one party much larger than the other but hey, what about drink specials? And what to do if you didn’t get an invite but still want to see the new make nice coalition building Ines Garcia Keim looking to upset Councilman Ravi Bhalla for the prestigious role of Chair?
One thing you can be sure, this reorg for both parties is akin to rounding up the children. Are they all present and accounted for is the question when it begins? Knowing Ravi’s organizational skills, (he’s been remarkably effective in working with the reform team in Hoboken for a good long stretch) so Ines better put out her best Beth Mason politician smile saying, “Hey, how about me for Vice Chair?”